Spartan Education Group Expands Aviation Training Network with Acquisition of Aviator Air Flight School
Spartan Education Group (SEG), a leader in aviation and technical education, proudly announced the acquisition of Aviator Air Flight School, LLC (Aviator Air), a respected flight training and fixed-base operation (FBO) located at Grand Prairie Municipal Airport (KGPM) in Texas. The strategic acquisition, effective October 15, 2025, marks an important milestone in SEG’s ongoing effort to broaden access to high-quality aviation training across the United States.
With this acquisition, Spartan Education Group continues to advance its mission of providing comprehensive, hands-on aviation education for aspiring pilots and technicians. The integration of Aviator Air into SEG’s expanding portfolio enhances its national presence, strengthens operational capabilities, and reinforces its leadership role in addressing the global demand for skilled aviation professionals.
Advancing Accessible Aviation Education
Founded with a vision to provide rigorous, career-focused training, Spartan Education Group has built a nationwide reputation for excellence in aviation and technical education. The addition of Aviator Air Flight School reflects SEG’s commitment to expanding its educational footprint in key regions across the country. Texas, one of the fastest-growing aviation markets in the United States, provides a strong foundation for future growth and collaboration within the aviation community.
Aviator Air’s long-standing reputation for quality flight instruction and its student-centered approach perfectly align with our values at Spartan Education Group,” said Rob Polston, CEO of SEG. “By expanding into the Texas market, Spartan’s aviation training network now includes more than 160 aircraft used in FAA-regulated flight training, making it one of the largest and most comprehensive flight training networks in the nation.”
The acquisition allows SEG to further strengthen partnerships with regional aviation stakeholders, provide additional career pathways for students, and meet the increasing global demand for commercial pilots. The aviation industry continues to experience a pilot shortage, with major airlines seeking well-trained professionals ready to enter the workforce. SEG’s growing network of flight schools is designed to help close this gap by providing affordable, flexible, and industry-aligned training opportunities.
Aviator Air: A Trusted Name in the Dallas–Fort Worth Aviation Community
Aviator Air Flight School has been a cornerstone of the Dallas–Fort Worth (DFW) aviation community for over two decades. The full-service FBO and FAA Part 61 flight school provides professional pilot training for a range of certifications and ratings, including:
- Private Pilot (ASEL)
- Instrument Airplane
- Commercial Pilot
- Multi-Engine Rating
- Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
Throughout its 20-year history, Aviator Air has established a strong reputation for its commitment to safety, instructional quality, and customer service. The school’s experienced instructors and dedicated staff have trained hundreds of aspiring aviators who now serve in various roles across the aviation industry.
Under Spartan Education Group’s ownership, Aviator Air will continue to operate under its established brand, retaining its dedicated team and student-first culture. The school will also benefit from SEG’s nationwide network, advanced training technology, and institutional partnerships with leading aviation organizations.
“We are thrilled to welcome Aviator Air to Spartan Education Group,” added Polston. “This partnership builds upon our shared dedication to developing the next generation of aviation professionals, equipped with both the technical knowledge and real-world skills needed to thrive in this dynamic industry.”
Strengthening Spartan Education Group’s National Network
The acquisition of Aviator Air marks another step forward in Spartan Education Group’s ongoing expansion strategy. SEG currently owns and operates several aviation training locations across the United States, including:
- Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology, with campuses in Tulsa, Oklahoma; Broomfield, Colorado; Inglewood, California; and Riverside, California.
- McAir Aviation, an FAA Part 141 flight training partner based in Broomfield, Colorado, which recently opened a second training location in Watkins, Colorado.
- Illinois Aviation Academy, an FAA Part 141 flight training partner located in West Chicago, Illinois.
- Aviator Air Flight School, an FAA Part 61 operation now located in Grand Prairie, Texas.
Collectively, SEG’s network of training centers has educated and prepared more than 100,000 pilots and aviation technicians, demonstrating its long-standing commitment to advancing aviation excellence.
Meeting the Growing Global Demand for Skilled Pilots
The acquisition comes at a time when the aviation industry is experiencing one of the largest pilot shortages in history. According to industry estimates, tens of thousands of new pilots will be needed over the next two decades to meet rising demand driven by increased air travel and fleet expansion.
By investing in new training locations and expanding capacity, SEG is helping to ensure a steady pipeline of qualified pilots who can meet industry needs. Through its training institutions, the organization offers both FAA Part 141 and Part 61 programs, giving students multiple pathways to achieve their aviation goals — from earning their Private Pilot Certificate to building the flight hours and experience necessary to pursue professional pilot careers.
Spartan Education Group’s continued expansion demonstrates our dedication to supporting students throughout their entire aviation journey,” said Polston. “We believe that access to high-quality aviation education should be available to anyone with the passion and commitment to fly. The addition of Aviator Air strengthens our ability to deliver on that promise.”
Legacy of Excellence and Innovation
With more than 97 years of experience through Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology, SEG has cultivated a legacy of innovation, hands-on learning, and career readiness. The organization’s training programs combine classroom instruction, advanced simulation, and real-world flight experience to ensure students are prepared to meet the challenges of modern aviation.
In addition to flight training, Spartan Education Group also provides technical training in areas such as aircraft maintenance, avionics, and nondestructive testing, helping prepare students for diverse career paths across the aviation and aerospace sectors.
SEG’s holistic approach emphasizes not only technical proficiency but also leadership, professionalism, and safety — core values that define its graduates and differentiate its programs from traditional training models.
Looking Ahead
As Spartan Education Group continues to grow, it remains focused on fostering partnerships that enhance educational access and industry collaboration. The integration of Aviator Air into the SEG network represents more than just an acquisition — it symbolizes a shared commitment to the future of aviation education.
By combining Aviator Air’s respected legacy with Spartan’s expansive resources and industry partnerships, the newly aligned organization will provide students with greater opportunities, improved training facilities, and access to one of the most extensive aviation education networks in the nation.
About Spartan Education Group
Spartan Education Group, LLC (SEG), headquartered in Chicago, IL, owns and operates several aviation training operations. McAir Aviation, in Broomfield, CO, and Illinois Aviation Academy, in West Chicago, IL, are FAA-approved Part 141 flight schools. Aviator Air Flight School, LLC, is an FAA Part 61 operation in Grand Prairie, Texas. Separately, SEG owns Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology, a system of three schools with four locations in the Tulsa, Denver, Los Angeles and Inland Empire areas. Programs, credential levels, technology, scheduling options, accreditation, and licensing vary by college campus and are subject to change. Third-party certifications and employment opportunities are not guaranteed.
About Aviator Air Flight School, LLC
Aviator Air Flight School, LLC provides professional pilot training under FAA Part 61 at Grand Prairie Municipal Airport in Grand Prairie, Texas. Aviator Air is a full-service FBO and flight training location that has proudly served the Dallas–Fort Worth aviation community for over 20 years. Aviator provides pilot training toward five FAA certificates and ratings, including Private Pilot (ASEL), Instrument Airplane, Commercial Pilot, Multi-Engine, and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI). The flight training location features a fleet of aircraft, a full-motion flight simulator, and a flexible, student-centered approach with adaptable scheduling and both pay-as-you-fly and block-rate options. Employment and third-party certifications are not guaranteed.
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